Pinnacle of dragon boating coming to Wodonga

Dragon Boat Racing on the Border will reach new heights with the Australian Dragon Boat Championships splashing down in Wodonga’s Gateway Lakes from Wednesday, April 19 to Monday, April 24.

Dragon Boat racing is one of the fastest growing sports in Australia, and this year it's Dragon Boat Victoria's turn to host the national pinnacle event.

The week-long competition event attracts up to 3,000 paddlers from across Australia, ranging in age from 12 to more than 70 years.

The Border has a strong local dragon boat community with its two clubs – Warriors Albury Wodonga Dragon Boat Club Inc, and Brave Hearts Dragon Boat Club – competing at the championships.

“Wodonga Council is proud to be hosting the Australian Dragon Boat Championships – the first time the event is being held in a regional centre,” Wodonga Mayor Cr Anna Speedie said.

“Together with local clubs, we have been working hard to ensure that Gateway Lakes is ready to host this national event. With 3000 visitors expected, the Border and surrounds will benefit from the influx of tourists staying in our accommodation and enjoying our hospitality.”

“This is a very exciting time for the region – it enables us to showcase our picturesque regional cities to the many visitors coming either to participate or to simply watch.”

“I would especially like to acknowledge Platinum Sponsor, the Commercial Club Albury.”

There will be three race categories with 120 paddlers on the water at any one time. The final 2km race will see crews race twice around the lake to the pounding beat of each boat’s drummer – a truly exciting spectacle.

The championships will be launched at 11am today to mark six weeks to go before the event arrives in Wodonga – and also ahead of the 9th annual Brave Hearts Dragon Boat Regatta this weekend at Gateway Lakes Wodonga. Up to 29 community teams will race on Saturday, March 4, and club teams will race on Sunday, March 5.